Tips: Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Option

Sometimes simple is best and a manual bookkeeping system is all you need. If so, be careful. Watch closely for its obsolescence. At some point, your small business is likely to outgrow your manual system. At that point, it could do more harm than good.

Before you buy any accounting/bookkeeping software, make sure you know why you are purchasing it. What functions do you need it to perform? Are there any special features you need? Write down your requirements in a checklist. Mark which requirements are critical and which ones are just desired.

Glance through Consumer Reports and computer magazines before purchasing bookkeeping software. While Intuit’s QuickBooks is the clear market leader for small businesses, other programs may be more effective for your particular business.